For the first time in history, breast cancer rates in women under 40 are rising faster than in any other age group—making prevention education more urgent than ever.
About Us
Protect Our Breasts (POB), a program of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), engages emerging generations by sharing conversations about environmental exposures linked to breast cancer. For over a decade, POB has empowered students through our chapter-based network to become leaders who translate complex scientific information into everyday choices, helping peers avoid toxic chemicals by selecting safer alternative products.
With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer—and around 90% of cases are due to environmental factors—we’re passionate about preventing this disease before it starts. Nearly everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer, and the same harmful chemicals that increase breast cancer risk also contribute to rising rates of testicular cancer, fertility issues, and other health conditions affecting entire families and communities.
POB’s impact continues to grow, as we draw on BCPP’s powerful foundation of scientific research, policy initiatives and victories, and market initiatives. Our activated community of chapters, brand partners, and community representatives engages the next generation during critical developmental periods and advocates for safer products and packaging. Together, we’re building a movement of informed individuals who protect themselves and their loved ones while driving positive industry transformation.
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Our Leadership Team
Program Directors
POB Directors Bex and Abby manage POB operations and growth as part of the BCPP team, overseeing strategic partnerships, chapter expansion, and student mentorship while ensuring programmatic excellence across all initiatives.
Bex Barstow
Abby McCarthy
National Student Executive Board
Our student leaders drive POB’s mission through five specialized teams:
Community Team
Expanding our chapter network and fostering engagement across campuses nationwide.
Sarah Morey
Annie Li
Kristin D’Souza
Creative Team
Developing compelling content and campaigns that translate environmental health science into accessible, engaging education.
Amelia Travaglia
Aynur Ozdemir
Molly Ambrose
Commerce Team
Building strategic brand partnerships and coordinating fundraising initiatives that support our mission.
Maya Ding
Zoe Zeena
Science Team
Leading scientific content development, ensuring accuracy in educational materials and translating complex research for student audiences.
Grace Asare
Olivia Parrot
Dhyani Derasari
Mrunal Deore
Yashh Kkaulgud
Policy Team
Connecting environmental health science to advocacy action, empowering students to become effective policy advocates.
Susan Reynolds
Meghan Nekrourian
POB Abroad
Izzy Desrosieres
Lilli Bonacorsi
Minah Leitao
Siena DiSalvo
Sophie Stowell
Protect Our Breasts Chapters
POB’s network of student-led chapters reaches young people nationwide, creating a movement of prevention education across high school and college campuses from coast to coast.
Our History
Cynthia Barstow
POB Founder
Executive Director Emeritus
In 2010, University of Massachusetts marketing professor Cynthia Barstow received a breast cancer diagnosis that changed everything. During treatment, she discovered that 85% of breast cancer cases have no family history—and that young women are most vulnerable to chemical exposures during college years and through first pregnancy.
“Our directive became clear,” Cynthia reflects. “Translate the science into messages that young women can apply immediately to protect their breasts and prevent a diagnosis later in life.”
What started as campus conversations with her students has grown into a national network of chapters educating thousands of young people about environmental health risks. In 2025, POB joined Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, strengthening our educational mission with 30+ years of scientific expertise and policy advocacy.